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Kewaunee County Housing Study Focuses on Quantity, Quality

Kewaunee County has a demand for single-family homes, senior-living units, and rentals, according to a new housing study (available at kewauneeco.org) by Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission (Bay-Lake RPC).

“The housing study by Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission was conducted to help us identify ways to solve the gaps within Kewaunee County,” said Scott Feldt, Kewaunee County administrator. “It is proven that investing in housing improves quality of life, draws employers and employees, and boosts the economy through property-tax revenue.”

The Bay-Lake RPC study reports that during the next 20 years, Kewaunee County – which has an estimated population of fewer than 21,000 – is projected to grow by fewer than 60 people per year with its current infrastructure.

Of the roughly 9,400 housing units in the county, nearly 90 percent are occupied, and two-thirds are 50 years or older, possibly making those homes less desirable because of their age and need for repairs. The study also reveals that there are approximately 330 senior units in the county, which is about one unit for every 120 residents. And, the county has an extremely low number of overall rentals, with fewer than 1,500 units.

“In order to address our housing issues in Kewaunee County,” Feldt said, “we need to find ways to overcome hurdles such as the limited amount of available land for new housing. Also, due to increasing construction costs, we need to get creative with housing solutions to match the median income of our residents, which could be building smaller homes that appeal to multiple generations, like seniors and millennials.”